A VAST range of new trees have been planted deep in the heart of fell country at Longsleddale to create a new woodland and wildlife home.

Nearly six hectares have been put in with a mix of ash, alder, downey birch, and sessile oak along with secondary species of rowan, goat willow, bird cherry and a lower shrub layer of hazel and hawthorn.

The trees will flourish again at Sadgill, at the end of the long track from Garnett Bridge off the A6.

Farmer and landowner John Gordon said: "When you look at old photos and maps it's clear that there was much more woodland at the head of Longsleddale in the past, particularly before World War Two, than there is now.

"My aim, working closely with the National Park authority, Friends of the Lake District and others, is to restore the landscape so far as possible, and in so doing encourage greater bio-diversity."

Caroline Holden works for CSH Property consultants based in Little Dockray, near Penrith, and acts as the land agent for Mr Gordon. She explained that the latest project follows on from five hectares being put in last year as part of an ongoing process to bring the woodlands at Sadgill back into active management.

She said: "The planting will enhance the environment, offer greater protection for wildlife and is compatible with the government's agri-environmental schemes where conservation features so highly. In addition to the new planting, natural regeneration is being encouraged within the existing sparsely populated woodland areas."

The project has been made possible by grant funding from the Forestry Commission and The Friends of the Lake District.